2021 NFL Draft Prospect: JaQuez Akins, S, University of Tennessee at Martin
JaQuez Akins played his first season of FCS football last year for the University of Tennessee at Martin, and let me tell you this kid is feisty. Akins stands at just 5’9, but he hits like he is 6020. Akins comes to UTM after a solid couple years at East Mississippi Community College.
Akins helped lead EMCC to back-to-back national championships while posting a 23-1 record in two seasons. He finished with 45 tackles including 5 pass break ups, and 3.5 tackles for loss. He was named to the MACJC All-State and was a first team player in his conference.
The Starkville, Mississippi native would come to the Skyhawks ready to play and boy he did not disappoint. He was a key figure on their defensive unit in 2019. He finished the season with 92 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
His amazing performance earned him First Team All-OVC honors and he was named to the OVC All-Newcomer Squad after starting every game at safety.
NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes:
Ever since high school, JaQuez Akins is not afraid to come up and hit you. He has been a staple in the secondary on every team he suited up for. This year, I expect a bigger year from Akins. He can taste the blood and wants to play in the NFL more than anything. I would not be surprised to see Akins win First Team All-OVC again and have a better overall year. He is fast, and does a great job of reading the ball. – Damond Talbot, NFL Draft Diamonds Owner
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com